Around 125 North-east businesspeople descended on Aberdeen’s Union Kirk for a night toasting the achievements of those working within the financial planning and insurance sectors.
Sponsored by Acumen Financial Planning, ‘The Future of Financial Planning and Risk Management – Celebrating Excellence’ strengthened ties between member organisations and local schools, colleges and universities through numerous exhibition stands and networking opportunities.
The evening was organised by the council of the Insurance Institute of Aberdeen, part of the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), and featured an awards ceremony recognising professionals who attained professional qualifications between January 2023 and July 2024.
Each category honoured the top regional performer with Acumen’s paraplanner co-ordinator Wendy Morrison (Diploma in Financial Planning) among the deserving winners. Wendy was also recently named as the winner of the CII national Layborn Prize for outstanding performance in the R04 exam.
Trophies were also presented to Fiona Gibb, Gallagher (Certificate in Insurance), Claire Dent, Shetland Islands Council, (Diploma in Insurance), Emma Black, Johnston Carmichael, (Certificate in Financial Services), Timothy Marple, Stewardship Wealth (Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning), and Vikki Venerus, AAB Wealth (Fellowship of the Personal Finance Society).
Kevin Mackenzie, director of Acumen Financial Planning; Matthew Hill, CEO of the Chartered Insurance Institute; Katherine Harvey, president of the Insurance Institute of Aberdeen; and Vikki Venerus, head of operations and compliance at AAB Wealth
It was a successful evening for the Acumen team. Directors Kevin Mackenzie and Rhian Morgan along with Andrew McRae and Isla Leask were presented with certificates having achieved their Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning.
There was also recognition in the Certificate in Financial Services category for Abbi Hart, Diana Lyon, Andrew Masson, Daniela Muollo, and Jordan Paterson, while Andrew Masson and Janine Rokovucago received their Diploma in Financial Services.
President of the Insurance Institute of Aberdeen, Katherine Harvey APFS, chaired the event which featured a special focus on creating pathways for emerging talent. An inspiring fireside discussion – featuring Andrew McRae – highlighted different routes into each profession, encompassing school leavers, apprentices, and university graduates.
Katherine said: “I can’t help but reflect on how much impact the young talent had in the room. The students were so inspired by the panel’s searingly articulate insights and their different journeys and routes to where they are now. I was so proud of them all, showcasing their passion and their commitment to increasing the visibility of our professions to other young people.
“It was also rewarding to see the achievers and award winners picking up their trophies and certificates. One of the striking things about the people and organisations represented in the room was the almost endless number of opportunities available for individuals to benefit from continuous development and career advancement – regardless of their age, experience or background.”
The evening also marked the first public engagement in Scotland of the CII’s newly-appointed CEO, Matthew Hill. Delivering the keynote address before presenting the awards, Matthew paid tribute to those companies and individuals working throughout the north-east to make financial planning and risk management professions of choice.
He said: “The work the insurance and personal finance professions do is immensely important and exciting, and something to be immensely proud of.
“Society relies on many different professions in order to function. When you join a profession, you join a group of people in which the public is invited to place their trust. I believe we should all take that responsibility very seriously as we continue to foster and embrace our shared values, ethics, and sense of purpose.”